RENTON, Wash.—The Seattle Seahawks selected defensive end Bruce Irvin with the 15th pick in April’s draft because of his speed. That doesn’t mean the rookie has gotten off to a fast start, though.

He didn’t record a single sack or a tackle in the first three exhibition games, and while statistics don’t accurately measure a defensive lineman, it’s enough to wonder whether he’s capable of providing the pass-rush boost the Seahawks expected.

Seattle Seahawks: Rookie defensive end Bruce Irvin went through the exhibition season with registering a sack. (AP Photo)

So far, Irvin appears too ready to take on blockers head-up, and at 240 pounds, that’s not playing to his best asset—his speed. He’s not going to bull rush a tackle. At least not in the NFL. He needs to learn to get by the blocker.

Pete Carroll called Irvin the team’s most productive defensive player during training-camp practices but conceded his rookie is a little frustrated sacks have been so hard to come by.

Irvin will start the season backing up defensive end Chris Clemons, who also failed to record a sack in the first three exhibition games. Irvin also will be used in all the Seahawks’ variations of its nickel and dime coverages.

Running back Marshawn Lynch was held out of the final exhibition game after missing two weeks of practice because of a sore back, but he will be physically read to play in the season opener. Rookie Robert Turbin has served as his backup.

Quarterback Matt Flynn sat out a game because of a sore elbow but is back this week and available as backup heading into the season.